Review: BSN NO Xplode Pre-Training Supplement

People are always wondering what the best supplement is to make the most out of every workout, how they can look more pumped, have more energy and push through more reps. Some people have found and tried NO Xplode, a BSN nitric oxide product. Like any product out there on the market, there are those that love it and swear by it, others that hate it, and even more that say it has no effect.

What is NO Xplode?

First, what is nitric oxide, and what does it do? Nitric oxide, NO, or Nitrogen monoxide, is an important messenger molecule involved in many physiological and pathological processes in the body both beneficial and detrimental. Your body naturally produces nitric oxide to protect your liver from ischemic damage by promoting vasodilation. In excess amounts, NO can have the opposite effect and cause vascular collapse, or with chronic exposure, it has been associated with various carcinomas and inflammatory diseases.

What is NO Xplode? No Xplode is a “pre-training igniter” supplement that makes claims to increase strength, power, endurance, muscle fullness, vascularity, mental alertness and focus, training energy, motivation and increase training intensity. Its main ingredient is AAKG (L-Arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate) which is a substrate of nitric oxide and is the chemical responsible for vasodilation and producing that “pumped” feeling. Other ingredients are citrulline malate (raises arginine levels), rutaecarpine (helps release NO leading to vasorelaxation), gynostemma pentaphyllum (used in cardiovascular disease treatment to stimulate NO release), dicreatine malate (a highly soluble, bioavailable creatine source that increases ATP production). There is no sugar, no protein, and no fat, but it does contain caffeine.

NO Xplode Nutrition Facts – So, Is It Good or Bad?

After talking to a few training buddies, and reading up on reviews of this product, it seems like while the initial effects of NO Xplode are exciting and can improve your workout, the benefits are temporary, and require you to continue to increase your dose and up the number of scoops of you have to add to feel the same “pumped” feeling. There have also been many complaints of the terrible taste of the supplement; stay away from blue raspberry and fruit punch flavors! Some other side effects that have been reported include: headaches, increased heart rate, renal problems, muscle cramping, and crash effects from post caffeine intake. Others complained of increased frequency of bowel movement 30 minutes after consumption of this product. One of the other clinchers is price. The average cost of NO Xplode is $34.88. I’ve seen it sold in bulk on the internet for as low as $29.95, and up to $58.99.

The Bottom Line

From everything I gather, it seems like there are other supplements out there that produce the same effect for cheaper and faster. I compared NO Xplode to Jack3d and found that most people preferred the effects of Jack3d for the price. But, when it comes down to it, taking supplements to increase the effectiveness of your workout by increasing your energy level and allowing you to train harder and for longer is a good thing. If it helps you look more pumped too, why not. Just as long as you proceed with awareness that there are side effects and you modify your intake based on your reaction. Always follow consumption directions for the product. NO Xplode recommends that 2-3 scoops should be mixed with 8-12 oz of cold water, and it is taken on an empty stomach to maximize its effects. They also recommend not drinking protein shakes in combination with NO Xplode up to an hour pre-workout.